Document EMr2kJeX1KjV6XXNEgyBzaMg

To: donp@fb.org[donp@fb.org] Cc: Jackson, Ryan[jackson.ryan@epa.gov] From: Bennett, Tate Sent: Wed 6/7/2017 12:11:53 AM Subject: Fwd: EPA to Extend Deadline for 2015 Ozone NAAQS Area Designations AZ Ducey 6-6-17.pdf 1.htm FYI, Don! Let us know if you have any questions. Begin forwarded message: From: "Milboum, Cathy" <Milbourn.Cathy@epa.gov> Date: June 6, 2017 at 6:35:34 PM EDT To: "Bennett, Tate" <Bennett.Tate@epa.gov>, "Konkus, John" <konkus.john@epa.gov> Subject: EPA to Extend Deadline for 2015 Ozone NAAQS Area Designations CONTACT: press@epa.gov FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 6, 2017 EPA to Extend Deadline for 2015 Ozone NAAQS Area Designations WASHINGTON - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Scott Pruitt sent a letter to governors today to inform them of EPA's efforts related to the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for ozone promulgated in October 2015. EPA is extending the deadline for promulgating initial area designations, by one year, for the 2015 ozone NAAQS. "States have made tremendous progress and significant investment cleaning up the air. We will continue to work with states to ensure they are on a path to compliance," said Administrator Scott Pruitt. The National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) for ground-level ozone is an outdoor air regulation under the Clean Air Act. As part of the process to determine what areas of 17cv1906 Sierra Club v. EPA ED_001523_00003468-00001 the country are able to meet the current air quality standards, states are currently submitting their proposals for area designations under the 70 parts per billion (ppb) standard, which was lowed from 75 ppb in 2015. Areas designated as being in "nonattainment" of the standard face consequences, including: increased regulatory burdens, restrictions on infrastructure investment, and increased costs to businesses. EPA is giving states more time to develop air quality plans and EPA is looking at providing greater flexibility to states as they develop their plans. And, pursuant to the language in the recently-enacted FY2017 Omnibus funding bill, Administrator Pruitt is establishing an Ozone Cooperative Compliance Task Force to develop additional flexibilities for states to comply with the ozone standard. Additionally, the Agency is taking time to better understand some lingering, complicated issues so that air attainment decisions can be based on the latest and greatest information. This additional time will also provide the agency time to review the 2015 ozone NAAQS, prior to taking this initial implementation step. Although the new ozone standard was set on October 1, 2015, there remains a host of complex issues that could undermine associated compliance efforts by states and localities. The Agency is evaluating these issues, primarily focused on: Fully understanding the role of background ozone levels; Appropriately accounting for international transport, And, timely consideration of exceptional events demonstrations. "We share the goal of clean air, a robust economy and stronger, healthier communities. We are committed to working with states and local officials to effectively implement the ozone standard in a manner that is supportive of air quality improvement efforts without interfering with local decisions or impeding economic growth," said Administrator Pruitt. Since 1980, total emissions of the six principal air pollutants have dropped by 63 percent and ozone levels have declined by 33 percent. Despite the continued improvement of air quality, costs associated with compliance of the ozone NAAQS have significantly increased. R107 If you would rather not receive future communications from Environmental Protection Agency, let us know by clicking here. Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20460 United States 17cv1906 Sierra Club v. EPA ED_001523_00003468-00002 E. Scon Pri h i Administrator June 6, 2017 I he I lonorable Doug Duccy Governor ofArizona State Capitol I 700 W. Washington Street Phoenix. .AZ 85007 Dear Governor Ducey: I am writing^ to update you on the.-status of-the U.S. Environmental Protection-Agency's efforts related to the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for ozone promulgated in October 2015. Pursuant to section 107(d)( I)(B) of the Clean Air .Act (CAA). I am extending the deadline for promulgating initial area designations for the 2015 ozone NAAQS by one year. I have determined that there is insufficient information, and taking additional lime is appropriate in order to consider completely all designation recommendations provided by state governors pursuant to CAA section 107(d)( 1 H A) and to rely fully on the most recent air quality data. This additional time will also provide the Agency lime to complete its review of the 2015 ozone NAAQS. prior to taking this initial implementation step. Although the new ozone standard was set on October I. 2015. there remains a host of complex 'issues that could undermine associated compliance efforts by states, localities and regulated entities. As part of the review process, the Agency is evaluating these issues primarily focusing on: fully understanding the role of background ozone levels; appropriately accounting for international transport; and. timely consideration of exceptional events demonstrations. Additionally, pursuant to language in the ccntly-enacted FY 2017 omnibus bill, I havecstablished an Ozone Cooperative Compliance Task force to develop additional flexibilities for states to comply witlitlie ozone standard. States have made tremendous progress and significant investment cleaning up the air. Since 1980, total emissions of the six principal air pollutants have dropped by 63 percent and mzone levels have; declined by 33 percent. Despite the continued improvement of air quality, costs associated with compliance ofthe ozone NAAQS have;significantly increased, I am committed to working with you and your local officials to effectively implement the ozone standard in a manner that is supportive of your air quality improvement efforts, without interfering with local decisions or impeding economic-growth, 1200 Pfxxsvivaxia Ave. NW Mail Com- 110-1A * Wwiiv.n >s. D( ' 20 ON toNt .Tl-17w ] w (2<w toi-itoo @ This paper is printed with wa#taWe-oiMstd inks and s 1-pernt posfc^ cycled material, ehlanne-ire<^ J recjoeibie. 17cv1906 Sierra Club v. EPA ED_001523_00003470-00001 I appreciate the information wu and wur staff have shared with EPA already as pan of this process. I am confident this progress will continue as we work together towards our shared goal ofclean air. a robust economy and stronger, healthier communities. II you hace questions or concerns, please contact me or your staff max contact I roy loons. Associate Administrator for the (Jffice of Congressional and Intergovernmental Relations, at Ivons.trovo cpa.gov or (202) 564 4987. ' 17cv1906 Sierra Club v. EPA ED_001523_00003470-00002